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Guyana identifies lands for Trinidad’s agri investors

Trinidad and Tobago’s Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj speaking to the media after discussions with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud (GINA photo)

Guyana is providing thousands of acres of land in the Canje Basin for farmers and investors from Trinidad and Tobago to engage in large-scale agricultural development.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) on Sunday reported that Trinidad and Tobago’s Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj was told by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud about the availability of land in the Canje Basin.

Speaking to the media, Maharaj pointed out that there will be scientific and empirical data regarding the potential for farming in accordance with the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) before it is offered to investors.

“It’s not farmers, but we want investors to come in to farm with their primary function to invest,” Maharaj emphasised.

Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago whereby lands were to be made available for the TT investors and farmers.

Up until, November 21 these lands were still unidentified, but what was determined was “the what” would be produced.

This project follows through on the Jagdeo Initiative proposed to CARICOM for countries to collaborate with Guyana and expand its underdeveloped agricultural lands. This strategy is geared towards reducing food import bills from countries outside the region, increase inter-regional food security, and reduce food inflation.

Trinidad and Tobago is currently looking at ways and means through which it can reduce its import of food from outside of CARICOM. However, it does not have the availability of land at its disposal to grow more of its own food.